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Love, Treachery, and Other Terrors
Fairies have one job. They are tasked with helping people learn and practice virtue. I am sure you've heard stories of fairies taking the form of beggars, blessing those who help them, and cursing those who don't. However, not all fairies are good. Instead of helping people practice virtue, some encourage vice. These are the types of fairies you generally want to avoid. Nothing would delight them more than seeing you destroy someone you love. Unfortunately, for the young King Alexander, his sister falls victim to a pair of such fairies who convince her to launch a coup. Alexander has no choice but to flee to a barbarian kingdom and try to build himself a new life among the uncouth locals. Even if happiness were possible in such a place, could he live with himself if he left his people at the mercy of such evil beings? And even if he wanted to help his people, how could he possibly match the fairies' power? This quirky coming of age story is about responsibility, courage, and self sacrifice.
- GenresFantasy
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 13, 2020
4 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 9, 2023
I enjoyed this book a lot. It is a fractured fairy tale of sorts, updated for modern sensibilities but still anchored in the things that make for good fairy tales — fantastic adventures, heroes, right and wrong, good and evil, and even a faithful hound. There are even solid spiritual lessons woven into it, thankfully without ever hitting you over the head with them.
All this is told with a good sense of humor, clever plot twists, and solidly developed characters. I was really on tenterhooks at the end, wondering what sort of countermeasures Alexander could come up with against the two evil fairies. (He did it very cleverly, by the way.)
Definitely recommended.
All this is told with a good sense of humor, clever plot twists, and solidly developed characters. I was really on tenterhooks at the end, wondering what sort of countermeasures Alexander could come up with against the two evil fairies. (He did it very cleverly, by the way.)
Definitely recommended.
May 12, 2021
What a delightful journey this book was! Not only was the author bio on the back cover a sense of the kind of humor you can expect, it was also a taste of the writing. It’s an examination of morality, but there’s not an ounce of preaching in it. This tale of medieval life includes fairies—but not the tiny Tinkerbell type—and royalty and romance. There’s intrigue and betrayal and—my favorite—moments of laugh-out-loud delight. I love it when an indie author presents me with a home run...and wow, do I want her to write more! I’d call this perfect for 11 and older, though your teen may appreciate some of the humor more than your younger kids. Then again, I’d hand this to any adult who just likes a good story.
April 14, 2024
Love, Treachery, and Other Terrors was a fun, fantastical romp in a medieval setting.
A pair of mischievous—no, evil sibling fairies have induced a coup in the royal household. Alexander, the legitimate heir to the throne, flees, leaving his power-hungry (but not completely ruthless) sister in control.
Alexander, with the help of more virtuous fairies, creates a quiet life in a neighboring, more barbarian country. There he finds love and grows in virtue before being compelled to reclaim the throne.
With a sweet romance, humor, and clever games of wits, the novel was fresh and fun while demonstrating the beauty of virtues such as courage, integrity, and loyalty. A fun escape for teens and adults alike.
A pair of mischievous—no, evil sibling fairies have induced a coup in the royal household. Alexander, the legitimate heir to the throne, flees, leaving his power-hungry (but not completely ruthless) sister in control.
Alexander, with the help of more virtuous fairies, creates a quiet life in a neighboring, more barbarian country. There he finds love and grows in virtue before being compelled to reclaim the throne.
With a sweet romance, humor, and clever games of wits, the novel was fresh and fun while demonstrating the beauty of virtues such as courage, integrity, and loyalty. A fun escape for teens and adults alike.
February 1, 2021
Monk fairies, witty humor, a runaway prince, and scorpions. What more could you want?
A very enjoyable read which I highly recommend.
A very enjoyable read which I highly recommend.
April 24, 2023
Second time through, and just as fun as ever!
Original review:
Fausta, the middle daughter of the Kalathean king, decides she wants to be in charge of the country. Her older brother, Justin, is a drunken bully who likes to wage war and terrorize their younger brother Alexander. To help her out, she finds a pair of fairies who use their magical power to manipulate the kingdom. They spread rumors that Justin is a good guy and then have Fausta stab him with Alexander's knife, thus making her younger brother look guilty. Alexander has no regal ambitions and, as third child, was destined to go to a monastery and paint icons. He doesn't really understand what's going on. Fausta has pity on him and orchestrates his escape from execution (against the fairies' wishes). He flees to the kingdom of Kaltehafen. He becomes a beekeeper and a painter, though soon enough he's drawn into the royal court (and love) by Ilona, a local princess. Meanwhile, back in Kalathea, the twin fairies are wreaking havoc on the locals by brutally oppressing them. Word reaches Alexander, who has matured quite a bit in the meantime. He wants to go back but is unsure about tricking the tricksters.
The book is fairly lighthearted. Alexander is a guy who just wants to get by, keeping his head down. He can't live that way, even after his exile from Kalathea. Seeing him grow as a person is gratifying. His romance with Ilona is charming and follows a more bookish, smart-alecky path than the typical fantasy romance. The fairies make interesting villains. They have grown bored of a life where they test the moral fiber of people by pretending to be poor (to see if people will help them out). Now they use their magic and the wiles to trick people into hurting each other or get stuck in difficult circumstances. They do execute some horrible schemes, so this book is not for the youngest readers, though it does read like a typical YA fantasy.
The book has a very strong Catholic tone, which makes it less like a typical YA fantasy. At first, I thought it was set in a fantasy realm (i.e. not this world) but then there's mentions of the Liturgy of the Hours, the division between Eastern and Western Christianity, Greek and Latin, and real world cities like Paris and Constantinople. The combination takes a little getting used to but seems natural by the end. The romance is very chaste and the morality is solid. The happy ending feels natural, not forced, which is also a big plus.
Recommended.
Original review:
Fausta, the middle daughter of the Kalathean king, decides she wants to be in charge of the country. Her older brother, Justin, is a drunken bully who likes to wage war and terrorize their younger brother Alexander. To help her out, she finds a pair of fairies who use their magical power to manipulate the kingdom. They spread rumors that Justin is a good guy and then have Fausta stab him with Alexander's knife, thus making her younger brother look guilty. Alexander has no regal ambitions and, as third child, was destined to go to a monastery and paint icons. He doesn't really understand what's going on. Fausta has pity on him and orchestrates his escape from execution (against the fairies' wishes). He flees to the kingdom of Kaltehafen. He becomes a beekeeper and a painter, though soon enough he's drawn into the royal court (and love) by Ilona, a local princess. Meanwhile, back in Kalathea, the twin fairies are wreaking havoc on the locals by brutally oppressing them. Word reaches Alexander, who has matured quite a bit in the meantime. He wants to go back but is unsure about tricking the tricksters.
The book is fairly lighthearted. Alexander is a guy who just wants to get by, keeping his head down. He can't live that way, even after his exile from Kalathea. Seeing him grow as a person is gratifying. His romance with Ilona is charming and follows a more bookish, smart-alecky path than the typical fantasy romance. The fairies make interesting villains. They have grown bored of a life where they test the moral fiber of people by pretending to be poor (to see if people will help them out). Now they use their magic and the wiles to trick people into hurting each other or get stuck in difficult circumstances. They do execute some horrible schemes, so this book is not for the youngest readers, though it does read like a typical YA fantasy.
The book has a very strong Catholic tone, which makes it less like a typical YA fantasy. At first, I thought it was set in a fantasy realm (i.e. not this world) but then there's mentions of the Liturgy of the Hours, the division between Eastern and Western Christianity, Greek and Latin, and real world cities like Paris and Constantinople. The combination takes a little getting used to but seems natural by the end. The romance is very chaste and the morality is solid. The happy ending feels natural, not forced, which is also a big plus.
Recommended.
December 9, 2023
The book that started it all. The way this books just has so much joy and light and wit will keep you smiling and quoting forever
February 2, 2023
LTOT is such fun time! It has so much heart and truth, and despite the high stakes plot, is hilarious cover to cover. Seriously if you need a good laugh or two (or ten) I highly recommend LTOT. Katy balances the serious plot elements with a fun and vibrant cast that I was never bored nor did I stress out too much for these characters I enjoyed.
The characters by the way are lovable, even the villains, and the protagonist, Alexander, is especially relatable. If you like reluctant heroes like I do, you’ll love him. He’s very real, making it easy to root for him and his growth was one of my favorite elements.
I wish I could rave some more but I don’t want to give away too much, but if you ever need a pick me up give LTOT a try because it’s a fun, high stakes but low angst story filled with heart, truth, and wit.
The characters by the way are lovable, even the villains, and the protagonist, Alexander, is especially relatable. If you like reluctant heroes like I do, you’ll love him. He’s very real, making it easy to root for him and his growth was one of my favorite elements.
I wish I could rave some more but I don’t want to give away too much, but if you ever need a pick me up give LTOT a try because it’s a fun, high stakes but low angst story filled with heart, truth, and wit.
November 13, 2023
This book is Katharine Campbell's intriguing thesis on whether or not the universe is made up of nautilus spirals or triangles, and is written expertly. There is a small intermission dedicated to an angsty young king who hates his job, and learns to love even when it hurts most. And then it goes back to nautilus spirals and triangles.
In all seriousness, the angsty king is a bit more important to the story. A little. This book has the perfect combination and balance of comedy, adventure, character development, with lessons and insights which struck me to my core. It reminded me of a heroic and comedic retelling of a saint. None of it seems forced or preachy...yet each of the insights and lessons that the protagonists learn are so wonderfully True.
In all seriousness, the angsty king is a bit more important to the story. A little. This book has the perfect combination and balance of comedy, adventure, character development, with lessons and insights which struck me to my core. It reminded me of a heroic and comedic retelling of a saint. None of it seems forced or preachy...yet each of the insights and lessons that the protagonists learn are so wonderfully True.
December 22, 2023
This book was absolutely an enjoyable experience! The pacing was so fun and the story was great! I loved the journey (both personal and physical) that Alexander went on. I also loved the real world nods throughout it to make it even more relatable and possible. The ending was also great and I loved how we got there. Overall I would recommend and gift this book to people I look forward to reading anything else by this author!
June 30, 2023
I found this book at a free community library and what a hidden gem! Such a light hearted story about a kingdom and the family that runs it.
February 1, 2021
What a fun novel. I don't think I've read anything like it. It is part fantasy (there are fairies), part historical religious commentary, part spiritual warfare, part romance, part a coming of age story, and maybe even part allegory. It has quirky characters, clever plot twists, humor, and spiritual lessons about revenge and forgiveness and growing into God's calling.
The plot begins with the princess of a medieval country wanting to be queen and freeing two dastardly fairies so they can grant her wish. But the fairies are a conniving pair and make life miserable for the citizens of the kingdom. While the princess had murdered her older brother, she had let her younger brother travel to another kingdom. There he comes to grips with his calling from God.
The story is fun and well written but I enjoyed even more the allusions and symbols. One has to know a bit of church history and theology to get some of it, like arguing about how many angels can dance on the head of a pin. There are also references to Christian rituals, like the Divine Office. And I couldn't help but wonder if the fairies represented angels, both the good and the fallen. The bad ones sure worked hard at temping people to do evil.
This is an entertaining novel. I enjoyed it and will be watching for the next tale from her.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the author. My comments are an independent and honest review.
The plot begins with the princess of a medieval country wanting to be queen and freeing two dastardly fairies so they can grant her wish. But the fairies are a conniving pair and make life miserable for the citizens of the kingdom. While the princess had murdered her older brother, she had let her younger brother travel to another kingdom. There he comes to grips with his calling from God.
The story is fun and well written but I enjoyed even more the allusions and symbols. One has to know a bit of church history and theology to get some of it, like arguing about how many angels can dance on the head of a pin. There are also references to Christian rituals, like the Divine Office. And I couldn't help but wonder if the fairies represented angels, both the good and the fallen. The bad ones sure worked hard at temping people to do evil.
This is an entertaining novel. I enjoyed it and will be watching for the next tale from her.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the author. My comments are an independent and honest review.
February 1, 2023
A rollicking good time
I really enjoyed this Love, Treachery, and Other Terrors! This quirky, fairytale-esque adventure was an easy read and hugely entertaining. I loved the banter of the characters and all the tropes that were turned on their heads. In the end, the story also deals with some surprisingly serious themes and character insights, which I appreciated. Would definitely recommend if you're looking for a humorous adventure story.
I really enjoyed this Love, Treachery, and Other Terrors! This quirky, fairytale-esque adventure was an easy read and hugely entertaining. I loved the banter of the characters and all the tropes that were turned on their heads. In the end, the story also deals with some surprisingly serious themes and character insights, which I appreciated. Would definitely recommend if you're looking for a humorous adventure story.
May 12, 2023
Sweet Siblings
The author treats us to not one, not two, but rather three sets of siblings. As the older sibling and oldest of all the California cousins on both sides, I was raised to be an example for my younger relatives. I wasn’t expected to be perfect, but I wasn’t allowed to “pick on” those who were perceived as weaker. Plus, my parents’ siblings didn’t allow their kids to get away with stuff just because they were younger.
I cannot fathom any of my cousins (or any of their cousins I know) launching a coup! There have been times when more than a few relatives have held someone accountable – we got each others’ backs.
Our family members may not have been as close as those of other families, but my parents’ generation was definitely a proverbial village when it came to raising the next generation. It’s imperative that we raise our youth with strong values and a variety of tools to be good people – to everyone, not just family.
Who says alcohol isn’t a holy spirit??? Hubby and I have a L’Chayim (“To Life!” - cocktails or shots of Apple Jack) every Erev Shabbat & Erev Chag; we have friends who “get spiritual” when serving a L'Chayim during their Shabbat & Chag meals (Drambuie, various liqueurs, single malts…).
Fave quote:
‘If you are unwilling to feel pain, you are incapable of love.’
Some sage advice from the author.
Talk it out. People may not agree, but at least communication helps somewhat with understanding.
I appreciate the response that the author had one of the characters give to another:
Son: “Like you turned your back on me?”
Father: “Be a better man than I was.”
May we all strive to be relevant role models for our youth (not just our own children).
Let’s see how the next generation fares in ‘Doctors, Assassins, and Other Tyrants’ (which releases 13 May).
Totally want to read her ‘The Canadian Nights’ and ‘Rosaline's Curse’.
The author treats us to not one, not two, but rather three sets of siblings. As the older sibling and oldest of all the California cousins on both sides, I was raised to be an example for my younger relatives. I wasn’t expected to be perfect, but I wasn’t allowed to “pick on” those who were perceived as weaker. Plus, my parents’ siblings didn’t allow their kids to get away with stuff just because they were younger.
I cannot fathom any of my cousins (or any of their cousins I know) launching a coup! There have been times when more than a few relatives have held someone accountable – we got each others’ backs.
Our family members may not have been as close as those of other families, but my parents’ generation was definitely a proverbial village when it came to raising the next generation. It’s imperative that we raise our youth with strong values and a variety of tools to be good people – to everyone, not just family.
Who says alcohol isn’t a holy spirit??? Hubby and I have a L’Chayim (“To Life!” - cocktails or shots of Apple Jack) every Erev Shabbat & Erev Chag; we have friends who “get spiritual” when serving a L'Chayim during their Shabbat & Chag meals (Drambuie, various liqueurs, single malts…).
Fave quote:
‘If you are unwilling to feel pain, you are incapable of love.’
Some sage advice from the author.
Talk it out. People may not agree, but at least communication helps somewhat with understanding.
I appreciate the response that the author had one of the characters give to another:
Son: “Like you turned your back on me?”
Father: “Be a better man than I was.”
May we all strive to be relevant role models for our youth (not just our own children).
Let’s see how the next generation fares in ‘Doctors, Assassins, and Other Tyrants’ (which releases 13 May).
Totally want to read her ‘The Canadian Nights’ and ‘Rosaline's Curse’.
January 6, 2021
Please note: I was given a copy of this book and have voluntarily decided to give it this honest review.
What a Great Title!
With a title like that, how could you NOT be interested in reading this book?
The book opens with the introduction of two fairies, Jace and Acacia, who HATE the human race. After tricking humans into killing each other and starting three wars, they are punished by being imprisoned in bottles for 2,000 years. Unfortunately they are released prematurely by Princess Fausta, who wants their help to become queen. Fausta thinks that they are genies and since she released them from their bottles, they owe her a wish. The evil fairies go along with this and help her kill her older brother, frame her younger brother, and steal the throne away. Fausta hesitates and instead of killing her younger brother, releases him and tells him never to return. During Alexander’s escape he meets three fairies, the Fairy of Justice, the Fairy of Prudence, and the Fairy of Love. Alexander finally settles in the barbarian city of Kaltehafen. His adventures continue, with the help of fairies and barbarians as well as the chaos and destruction of the evil fairies.
I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it. The characters are not what you would expect, but are quirky. You get drawn into the story and want to keep reading it to see where it leads.
What a Great Title!
With a title like that, how could you NOT be interested in reading this book?
The book opens with the introduction of two fairies, Jace and Acacia, who HATE the human race. After tricking humans into killing each other and starting three wars, they are punished by being imprisoned in bottles for 2,000 years. Unfortunately they are released prematurely by Princess Fausta, who wants their help to become queen. Fausta thinks that they are genies and since she released them from their bottles, they owe her a wish. The evil fairies go along with this and help her kill her older brother, frame her younger brother, and steal the throne away. Fausta hesitates and instead of killing her younger brother, releases him and tells him never to return. During Alexander’s escape he meets three fairies, the Fairy of Justice, the Fairy of Prudence, and the Fairy of Love. Alexander finally settles in the barbarian city of Kaltehafen. His adventures continue, with the help of fairies and barbarians as well as the chaos and destruction of the evil fairies.
I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it. The characters are not what you would expect, but are quirky. You get drawn into the story and want to keep reading it to see where it leads.
January 4, 2021
Marvelous fairytale.
Jace and Acacia are twin fairies who have been punished for causing three wars and are being punished for two thousand years by being put into two magic bottles.
Princess Fausta was out looking for a genie to grant her a wish or three. She found two bottles in a cave and was delighted because she thought she had found two genies. Alas she finds out that these are not genies but fairies and they can each grant one wish.
Fausta makes her wish to become queen in her brother Alexander's place.
As you can imagine things do not go according to plan but Fausta does become queen and Alexander is in exile. What happens in this story is interesting, sometimes humorous with a little romance thrown in for good measure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jace and Acacia are twin fairies who have been punished for causing three wars and are being punished for two thousand years by being put into two magic bottles.
Princess Fausta was out looking for a genie to grant her a wish or three. She found two bottles in a cave and was delighted because she thought she had found two genies. Alas she finds out that these are not genies but fairies and they can each grant one wish.
Fausta makes her wish to become queen in her brother Alexander's place.
As you can imagine things do not go according to plan but Fausta does become queen and Alexander is in exile. What happens in this story is interesting, sometimes humorous with a little romance thrown in for good measure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 18, 2025
This book was such a fun read! I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first started reading it, but I ended up loving it! The writing style is very different from any book I have ever read, but it fits the story so well! And I loved the characters ( all except the evil ones of course since they are evil lol ) I loved the humor throughout the story! I found myself saying “just one more chapter” so many times! I also really loved how the Catholic faith was inserted throughout the story! That, I think, was one of my favorite parts and not something many books have.
January 4, 2021
A fun snarky fairy tale
A fairy tale that breaks from the Disney mold. The fairies are not all sweetness and light. There is a lot of action, but very little on stage violence - none gratuitous. The story has a good plot and the characters are well developed. Once I started, I wanted to read through to the end. I loved the humorous anachronisms the author threw in to lighten the mood.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A fairy tale that breaks from the Disney mold. The fairies are not all sweetness and light. There is a lot of action, but very little on stage violence - none gratuitous. The story has a good plot and the characters are well developed. Once I started, I wanted to read through to the end. I loved the humorous anachronisms the author threw in to lighten the mood.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 6, 2021
Katherine Campbell brings an interesting new voice to medieval-style fantasy. Pitting sister against brothers, varieties of Greeks against one another and murderous and capricious fairies messing with everyone. And a really sweet love story in the middle of it. The women are strong, the characters real, and the story a real page turner. I'm looking forward to whatever Campbell shares with us next.
February 10, 2023
Absolutely ridiculous! But in the best way. Love, Treachery, and Other Terrors (or LToT for short) will keep you laughing until the very end. If you like stories of heroism and sacrifice, struggles against overwhelming odds, intense philosophical debates, and one of the best romances in contemporary literature, then you'll probably like this book. But even if you don't like any of those things, you'll enjoy this book anyway.
January 4, 2021
Alexander certainly gets the short end of the stick in life. He's abused, betrayed and the fairies are using him. He is a sweet person. The story would be good for YA and has some teaching moments. It was a bit slow and I found myself skimming over parts of the story. All in all it was a nice story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 23, 2024
Fairies can be a nuisance as Alexander finds out after his sister unwittingly falls for their tricks. Luckily there is as much variety in the fairy world as the human world. This was an enjoyable read with a lot of twists and turns. I love the world building the author has created.
April 22, 2021
Good book. I liked the part where the evil fairies tricked people.
December 26, 2025
A long and twisted fairy tale with unexpected turns and stronger women than in old fairy tales. I enjoyed being surprised by the evolution of characters and societies in this story.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews